WTB solar panel for battery top off.

[dirtydave]

My car has a group 24 deep cycle. I want a solar panel to top off my battery.
Sometimes I don't drive for a few days and hate walking out to a dead battery.

Any good websites you know of? I got about $100 for one.

[gone-ot]

Look at the "specifications" for conversion efficiency (incident sunlight to current-voltage output) and then actual current (amperes) output.

[spacemanspif]

You shouldn't have a dead battery after only a few days. Harbor Freight has some that are around $20 I think. Not sure but you might want one with some kind of controller that won't over charge the battery if it gets a lot of sun one day. A disconnect switch might be a good alternative.

[dirtydave]

I drive at night with my engine off and headlights on.

[dirtydave]

Are you talking about a disconnect switch on the battery?

I have the $20 harbour freight one. Would that work? I was told it does nothing.

Can I plug my battery charger on the battery while it is connected to the car?
My alternator can't keep up to night time eoc

[RedDevil]

Originally Posted by dirtydave

Can I plug my battery charger on the battery while it is connected to the car?
My alternator can't keep up to night time eoc

Yes you can, if it is a smart charger e.g. if it does not fry the battery.
The minimal load of the remaining systems when keyed off should make little difference.

I did charge my old battery with an OptiMate 4 charger, but to no avail - it must have had a shorting cell. It kept me out of trouble for a few weeks, but the battery had to go - dropping below 11 Volt as soon as the leads went off.

I have a 9 Watt solar panel too -just did not come around to installing it.
(my new battery is not very good either)

[dirtydave]

Now you got me thinking I have a short.

[cowmeat]

I used a battery tender when I did a lot of P&G in Black Widow. I drove a lot at night and early mornings so there was a lot of driving with lights on/engine off. Once I started bump-starting consistently, the battery lasted a couple days without having to charge it

If I remove the solar panel from Ron Burgundy's hood (which I have been considering), you can grab it next time you come through here.

[dirtydave]

I think I will remove the alternator and see if I have the same voltage drop. I have a feeling it isn't working or I have a terrible short.

[dirtydave]

and I got a new job! so hopefully I will never have to go to Florida ever again!

no offence but I hate Florida!